Saga’s stomach swooped low, disbelief clouding her mind. But more Klaernar had gathered below, watching Saga as though she were sport. Were they taking bets? Wagering on whether Ivar’s little pet would take her own life?
I can’t live like this, thought Saga, despair climbing through her. She stared past Askaborg’s defensive walls. How could freedom be so near, yet so completely unattainable?
I do not know what you’ve endured, but I know it’s not right, thought Mind-Eisa.I swear it to you, Saga, I will come for you. Fight a little longer.
A sob was trapped in her chest, pushing and burning, but she would not let it free.I cannot, she thought.He cannot hurt me again.
A blast of love wrapped around her like a warm hug.They shall pay, Saga, came Mind-Eisa’s thoughts, determination edged with anger.They’ll pay in blood. Do not grant them victory by jumping.
To feel such anger on her behalf was startling. Living amongst these peoplehad twisted Saga’s thoughts—had muddled her self-worth.I’m frightened, Saga admitted. The very idea of being near Magnus made her pulse race. ’Tis better to die one large death than a thousand small ones at his hand.
Someone has hurt you, thought Mind-Eisa, righteous indignation flooding through Saga.It is not fair what you’ve weathered alone. But know this, Saga: it’s always darkest before first light. Keep stepping forward, one step at a time.
A sob broke, and Saga leaned against the wall.I’m so weary, Mind-Eisa. I do not know how much more I can endure.
I, too, have been all alone, Mind-Eisa thought. A prison cell flashed in Saga’s mind’s eye. Strange tapestries. A vile-looking Klaernar looming above her.You were there for me, Saga, in my darkest hour. I believed all was lost, but I…saw you. Your face. And you reminded me there was something to live for. I promised you one day we’d meet. Help me keep this promise.
Something to live for. Saga tried to twist her thoughts back to this. But as her eyes caught on her scarred hands, the fist of panic squeezed tighter around her, and she gasped for breath. The castle’s northern walls swelled and crested like moving waves, but a foreign blast of love and warmth left Saga disoriented.
Stop, begged Mind-Eisa, and Saga felt her sister’s madness, her desperation.Whatever has happened, Saga, we will get through it.
Yearning uncurled in Saga’s stomach.I miss you, she thought.I miss them.
Then help me keep this promise, thought Mind-Eisa.I swear to you, Saga, we will see one another again.
An ember of warmth flickered deep in Saga’s chest. She stared over the castle grounds, through the northern districts of Sunnavík, and to the farmlands beyond. Somewhere out there, in the wilds of this kingdom, was Eisa—alive, and breathing, and fighting for Saga. Surely she could do the same, at least for another day.
Very well, thought Saga,I will help you keep this promise for one more day. With a deep breath, she eased herself down from the railing and groped her way back into her chambers. As she slid down the wall and collapsed over bent knees, Eisa’s relief and love wrapped around her.I’ve made such a mess.
One foot in front of the other, Saga, thought Eisa.Your path is shadowed, and you cannot see clearly. With each step, it will become clearer.
Saga hugged her knees tightly, trying to calm her racing heart.You are wise for a figment of my imagination.
I’ve never been called wise before, thought Eisa with amusement.I think I prefer it to ‘repulsively cheerful.’
What if he harms me?Saga could not help but think.
Eisa was silent for a time.I do not know the answer, nor the right words. But afriend once told me she considered the hard times in life kindling. She used them to build her fire higher and hotter. And when the time was right, she unleashed her inferno upon her enemy.
Inferno, thought Saga.I do like the sound of that.
You’d like this friend, thought Eisa fondly.One day, you’ll meet her.
One day, thought Saga wistfully. Her head thunked gently against the stone wall, and she stared at the rafters. Though it was only morning, already she was bone-weary.
Promise me, Saga!Eisa’s presence was sliding through her grasp, growing fainter.Promise me one day we’ll be reunited.
I promise, thought Saga.
The thread of their connection was severed through, and Saga was alone once more. Eisa’s warmth lingered on her skin. She had felt so real. And in that moment, mad or not, Saga decided to believe that it had been real. In the bleakness, she focused on one singular emotion.
Love.
Right now, shrouded in darkness, Eisa was her star, her guiding light, and Saga focused on this light with all of her being.
Fight for yourself, she repeated over and over, until the words burrowed into her bones and flowed through her veins.Rallying cry, she thought.You’ve been bold and daring this month. You’ve spied on the queen and stolen into Alfson’s study. Have greeted your past and stepped outdoors. And you’ve kissed a man—twice. You’ve not come this far to fail, Saga.
And with that, the decision was made. Saga pulled herself up and strode across her chambers, reaching for the bell pull. Árlaug appeared a few minutes later, lips curved into a tentative smile.
